Preview
With their hopes of getting into the Champions League hanging by a thread, Chelsea are due to take on Newcastle United at St. James’ Park tomorrow, a venue which would arguably be the last place that the former Premier League champions would have preferred to ply their trade for such an important occasion.
In their last six trips to St. James’ Park, Chelsea have lost thrice, shared points on a couple of occasions and have won just once, which was back in 2011 when the London based outfit secured a 3-0 win over the Geordies. The Blues are placed at the 5th spot in the English top flight table with 70 points to their name after 37 outings and are trailing 4th placed Liverpool by a couple of points.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are set to clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Anfield and the fact that the Seagulls must manage to cause an upset and Chelsea need to win by hook or by crook makes Chelsea’s game against the Magpies such a crucial affair. Newcastle, on the other hand, won’t be sweating too much as this game doesn’t hold too much significance for them in terms of the season’s objectives.
The Toon secured their survival in the top flight next season long ago but their recent form has been in complete tatters. They have lost four games in a row and there is no denying that they have appeared to be complacent in their endeavours lately. With 41 points to their name and one game remaining this season, Newcastle United hold the 10th spot in the league table.
Newcastle United Team News
Christian Atsu will not be available owing to his knee injury and the same goes for Ciaran Clark. While Islam Slimani is facing suspension, Kenedy would also be unavailable for selection as per the loan terms with Chelsea.
Chelsea Team News
Danny Drinkwater is a major doubt for the fixture as he is nursing a groin injury whereas David Luiz would remain sidelined due to his knee injury.
Newcastle United Predicted Line-up
Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett; Diame, Shelvey; Ritchie, Perez, Murphy; Gayle.
Chelsea Predicted Line-up
Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger; Alonso, Moses; Bakayoko, Kante, Fabregas; Giroud, Hazard.
Prediction
Antonio Conte’s entourage would be desperate to bag all three points and considering their star-studded line-up coupled with Newcastle United’s apparent dip in form, we expect Chelsea to secure a 2-0 away win tomorrow.
Odds
Newcastle United Win 9/2
Draw 16/5
Chelsea Win 4/6
